1. Introduction To ICPP

Question 1

What are the 3 classifications of signalling molecules?

Answer 1

Endogenous - within body
Exogenous 1 - natural, plant based
Exogenous 2 - synthetic, man made

Question 2

What are the main extracellular signalling groups?

Answer 2

Endocrine
Paracrine
Autocrine

Question 3

What are the features of paracrine signalling molecules?

Answer 3

Signalling coupled from cell to cell
Molecules released into extracellular environment
Induce changes in receptor cells
E.g. neurotransmitters

Question 4

What are the primary signalling roles of neurotransmitters?

Answer 4

Excitatory - signal increase firing rate post- synaptically

Inhibitory - signal decrease firing rate post-synaptically

Question 5

What is the role of endogenous signalling molecules?

Answer 5

Carry and transfer specific signal

Optimal fit for job

Question 6

What is the role of exogenous signalling molecules?

Answer 6

Often engineered via human design to carry and transfer ‘imposter’ signal
Fit may be sub-optimal or antagonistic

Question 7

What happens when endogenous or exogenous molecules bind with a target?

Answer 7

Bring about change in functional status of target cells

Can be to transform an earlier signal to produce another chemical or electrochemical signal

Question 8

What are the signalling molecule targets?

Answer 8

Receptors
Ion channels
Transporters
Enzymes 
(RITE)

Question 9

What are the types of receptors?

Answer 9

Kinase linked receptors
Ion channels (ligand gated)
Nuclear/intracellular
G-protein coupled receptors
(K(L)ING)